Nutraceutical Effects of Snot Apple Powder on Triiodothyronine, Oxidative Stress Markers, Haematology and Growth of Broiler Chickens

Authors : Abubakar Olatunji Jimoh, Unity Daniel Osayande, Simeon Olugbenga Ayodele, Uchechi Gift Daureen Ihejirika

Pages : 41-50

Doi:10.47115/bsagriculture.1550787

View : 41 | Download : 78

Publication Date : 2025-01-15

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study investigated the effects of incorporating snot apple powder with or without probiotics on performance, hematological indices, serum protein profile, oxidative markers, and triiodothyronine levels in chickens. The treatments included a control (0% snot apple powder) and varying levels of snot apple powder (1%, 2%, and 3%), all supplemented with probiotics at a rate of 0.5%. Over a 42-day trial period, parameters such as feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), mortality, and blood samples for hematological and serum analyses were collected. Growth indices revealed significant variations (P<0.05) among treatments, with birds in T3 exhibiting the highest final body weight, followed by T1, while T4 recorded the lowest. Weight gain and feed intake were also significantly influenced by treatment, with T3 demonstrating superior performance in weight gain and T1 in feed intake. The feed conversion ratio was notably efficient in birds on T3 and T4 compared to T1. The serum protein profile indicated higher total protein and globulin levels in probiotic-treated groups (T2, T3, and T4) compared to T1, whereas albumin and uric acid varied significantly among treatments. Enhanced total antioxidant capacity in T2 and higher superoxide dismutase activity was observed in T2, T3, and T4. Triiodothyronine levels differed significantly among treatments, with T1 and T3 showing higher values compared to T2 and T4. Incorporating snot apple powder and probiotics in broiler diets positively impacted growth performance, health markers, and antioxidant capacity, suggesting potential benefits for poultry nutrition and health management strategies.
Keywords : Antioxidant enzymes, Feed efficiency, Immune response, Azanza garckeana, Thyroid function